Among young adult smokers, 46% self-identified as social smokers but actually smoked outside of social settings, and this group was more likely to use marijuana and be marijuana-dependent than non-social smokers.
Read this if you consider yourself a social smoker or notice your smoking overlaps with cannabis use.
46% of young smokers self-identified as social smokers but smoked outside social settings
What the researchers found
Researchers surveyed 1,811 young adult smokers (ages 18-25) recruited through Facebook to understand social smoking patterns. They found three distinct groups based on self-identification and behavior.
The largest group (46%) called themselves social smokers but actually smoked outside of social contexts too ("self-identified only"). True behavioral social smokers who only smoked in social settings made up 27%, and non-social smokers accounted for the remaining 27%.
Both social smoker groups were more likely to be male, use marijuana, and be marijuana-dependent compared to non-social smokers. True behavioral social smokers smoked less, were less addicted to cigarettes, and had higher desire to quit.
Why it matters
The disconnect between self-identified and actual social smoking suggests many young adults underestimate their smoking patterns. The strong association with marijuana use in social smoker groups points to overlapping substance use cultures among young adults.
The numbers in context
1,811 participants; 46% self-identified only social smokers; 27% behavioral social smokers; 27% non-social smokers; social smoker groups more likely to be male, use marijuana, and have marijuana dependence
How the study worked
Cross-sectional online survey of 1,811 young adults (18-25) who smoked at least one cigarette in the past 30 days, recruited through Facebook ads. Three social smoking categorization items determined group membership.
What this study cannot tell us
Facebook recruitment introduces selection bias. Self-reported data on both smoking and marijuana use. Cross-sectional design cannot establish causal relationships. The "social smoker" classification relied on only three items.
How to read the evidence
Large sample recruited through Facebook, but cross-sectional design and self-reported data limit conclusions about causation.
When this study was published
Published in 2015. Social media use patterns, vaping, and cannabis legalization have significantly changed the landscape for young adult substance use.
The bigger picture
Social smoking identity may serve as a form of cognitive distancing that allows young adults to maintain smoking while not seeing themselves as "real" smokers. The co-occurrence with marijuana use suggests interventions may need to address both substances.
Questions still open
- Do self-identified social smokers eventually become daily smokers at higher rates? Does the marijuana-social smoking connection reflect shared social contexts or shared individual risk factors? Would targeted interventions for social smokers reduce long-term nicotine addiction?
Common questions
Why are social smokers more likely to use marijuana?
Is social smoking less harmful than daily smoking?
Read the original research
Prevalence and Correlates of Social Smoking in Young Adults: Comparisons of Behavioral and Self-Identified Definitions.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 17(9), 1076-84
Citation
Lisha, Nadra E; Delucchi, Kevin L; Ling, Pamela M; Ramo, Danielle E. (2015). Prevalence and Correlates of Social Smoking in Young Adults: Comparisons of Behavioral and Self-Identified Definitions.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 17(9), 1076-84. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntu242
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